Monthly Archives: January 2013

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So they didn”t pick me to go on their special science project. It”s not like I care. I”ve been ignored for years and years. Thick skin, I”m living proof of evolution. Every time I publish a new article the scientific community just laughs and laughs. It”s as if they”re eagerly waiting for me to come out with a new theory, just so they can get their kicks. “Here”s the new Prof. Higgy paper, look he”s trying to disprove gravity this time!”

I”m the gag reel for them, the bloopers at the end of the movie

When I suggested Mars was filled with nutrient rich soil, that with a little filtering could be perfectly edible, they looked at me like I was mad. Then, barely able to say the words between giggles, they ask me,“So you”re saying that Mars is made of cheese?

They actually asked me that! Can you believe it? I stormed out of the interview and needless to say (oh needless indeed!) didn”t get on the flight. A good surprise. And I love surprises.

No matter, no matter. Science is science, and inane trifles such as being accepted to a mission to Mars cannot hinder progress. I made my own ticket in the form of a cleaning crew”s uniform. Now I wait in the bowels of the ship, where the trash goes to be incinerated and dumped into space. Not to worry, I know the schedule. They aren”t going to throw me away just yet.I”m not some egg carton. Plenty of food here too. There will be more when we get this trip started.

I”m writing this on the walls of the trash dock. Plenty of space, plenty of space. Sometimes I feel my thoughts are too large for a tiny computer screen. They should be blasted out of my mind, burned onto the moon, written all over the universe in capital letters arranged with supernovas. If I had my way (oh, if I had my way). This will have to do for now.

My scientific tabulations are on the adjacent wall. I”ve set myself to finishing my project as a proper member of this space team.

I know these junkets are tedious, but I mean, it’s kind of what we signed up for, y’know?

Yeah it’s boring, spouting corporate bylines to talking heads isn’t exactly my idea of fun either, but the attention is kind of novel and at the very least it’s a welcome distraction.

We each have our own reasons for being on this boat, but I’m beginning to think I’m in the minority – I’m not leaving heavy baggage behind, this is just too good a research opportunity to pass up.

By comparison, Captain Darrel’s motives are pretty transparent – he’s here to consecrate his legacy. Which is just as well – as I understand it, the technology on Laika makes it more like a cruise ship than a frigate – so with any luck we’ll never have to fall back on his supposed pedigree.

Our navigator on the hand is a bit more enigmatic. Ryan seems friendly enough but he’s deflected every attempt I’ve made to talk about this past. He’s got some battle-scars but I can’t imagine how…

After learning we’d be delayed, the rest of the crew extended their tour on Earth and just arrived yesterday. We haven’t mingled much yet much outside of the normal superficial pleasantries but it is a bit unnerving to know that each of us has a direct replacement.

But Christina’s a different story. I’m pretty sure she’s been rummaging through my lab lately. What do you suppose she’s actually doing in that greenhouse anyway?

We continue to go around the room making small talk with people, hoping to get a better feel for what this event details. The opening speech unfortunately didn’t provide us with anything even remotely useful. So far, what we know is that this event is for some group called the Heritage Party, and they use the slogan “What cannot be erased shall not be forgotten.”

After talking with several groups of people, May and I discover a couple of important facts: the man who made the opening announcement is named Guy Jones (a rather boring name for a rather influential man; he is one of the lead organizers of the Heritage Party’s functions), and that most of the people attending this event have no effing idea what they are doing here. It seems that they have been recruited to this event in much the same way May was – through scouts lounging around in South Lake bars, parks, and other such gathering places. Continue reading «Chapter Five: Rita Lauren»

Today was the first day that we didn’t need to do checks with Earth. We still haven’t left orbit though, I am so ready to get going.

Still waiting on food supplies to be delivered. I hope that its better than what they tried to feed us while at the Company Headquarters. The “banquet” that was supposed to be in our honor was a disgrace. I should have snuck off Darrel and Ryan to get some food at the bar.

Man, could I use a beer. They choose to keep us sober for the first 20 days of the mission. I have no idea why anyone would do that, but I suspect it’s for publicity. as soon as we leave orbit I will start my brewing experiment. Should be easy enough to control in my room. Don’t have a keg so will have to do some bottling, but don’t have any bottles or caps. Mmmh, well I will figure that out when it comes. Maybe I can convince Jill to save some of the flasks for me.

My greenhouse is being set up, then it will finally feel like home. I won’t be able to enter until after we leave earth orbit, but at least I can get some peace and quiet while I am working.

With 3 dining areas, you would expect to not see anyone sometime during the day. However, those places seem to be the hangout spot. Surprising since there is a recreation room with a great view of space. Maybe I will make a base there to read and drink.

Time for some publicity lessons to prepare for our interviews before we take off.

Background:
Experiment 42 is a latest experiment being conducted by the Earth”s most revered space company, Space or Die. This experiment is a one way trip to colonize Mars. In parallel experiments 40 and 41 are on board the vessel, while experiments 43-45 will be executed while on route to Mars.

Rules:
This is a space adventure on the way to Mars, seen through the diary entries of the travelers. You can”t write more than 500 words in any given post. There are no other rules, just have fun.